Richard Chaffoo MD, FACS

About the Practice

Practice Philosophy

Dr. Chaffoo understands that many of his patients have thought about plastic surgery for years before consulting with a plastic surgeon. At his La Jolla (San Diego), California practice, Dr. Chaffoo recognizes the amount of thought and emotion that have gone into a patient's decision to undergo surgery. He considers it a privilege to help his patients achieve their personal ideals, and uses his skills, training and experience to give them the results they seek.

He is able to provide expert advice based on three decades of service - first to his country as a naval medical officer, and then to his community as a plastic surgeon. Dr. Chaffoo's goal is to exceed patient expectations through highly personalized patient care and remarkable results.

Practice Specialization

Dr. Chaffoo is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the American Board of Otolaryngology and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. He specializes in plastic surgery in San Diego and offers a full range of procedures including breast augmentation, liposuction, rhinoplasty, facelift, tummy tuck and mommy makeovers. He also offers state-of-the-art hair restoration using NeoGraft® technology.

Dr. Chaffoo practices alongside his wife and partner, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Susan Stuart, who offers a full variety of dermatological and skin rejuvenation treatments such as BOTOX® dermal fillers and laser skin resurfacing.

Patient Photo Gallery

Background & Certification

Board Certification

American Board of Plastic Surgery
American Board of Otolaryngology
American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Professional Background

Dr. Chaffoo is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the American Board of Otolaryngology and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. He specializes in plastic Dr. Chaffoo has more than 30 years of experience in medicine. He served as both vice chairman and chairman of the U.S. Naval Hospital's Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, in Groton, Connecticut, before entering private practice as a plastic surgeon in San Diego. Media outlets on both regional and national levels recognize him as an authority in his field. He has commented on plastic surgery in media such as:

Dr. Chaffoo graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor's degree in chemistry from Catawba College in North Carolina. He received his medical degree from Wake Forest University, also in North Carolina. Dr. Chaffoo then completed two surgical residencies, one in plastic surgery and one in otolaryngology (head and neck surgery). Dr. Chaffoo additionally underwent fellowship training in facial plastic surgery, otolaryngology, and head and neck oncologic surgery at Stanford University Medical Center, as well as burn surgery at the UCSD Medical Center's Regional Burn Center.

Teaching Appointments

Dr. Chaffoo has served as a clinical instructor in surgery at the Usuhs F. Herbert School of Medicine in Bethesda, Maryland, and in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery at Stanford University Medical Center. He is a voluntary assistant clinical professor in head and neck surgery and plastic surgery at the UCSD Medical Center.

Publications and Presentations

Dr. Chaffoo has lectured nationally and internationally in the fields of plastic and reconstructive surgery. He has presented at venues such as:

Annual Meeting, Northwest Society of Plastic Surgeons, Hawaii

Annual meeting, American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, San Francisco, CA

World Congress International Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Yokohama, Japan

Tip Rhinoplasty Techniques World Congress of Surgery, Hong Kong

Dr. Chaffoo has published articles in medical journals such as:

US Naval Medicine

American Journal of Otolaryngology

Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery

Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery Society

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Journal

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Awards & Honors

Castle Connolly Medical Ltd. has recognized Dr. Chaffoo as one of the top doctors in the United States. This honor, based on a vote of his peers, extends to only 5 percent of doctors nationwide.
Readers of the La Jolla Light voted Dr. Chaffoo one of the top plastic surgeons in the San Diego area.

Affiliations & Memberships

Hospital Affiliations

Dr. Chaffoo has surgical privileges at a number of Southern California hospitals: Scripps Hospitals Department of Plastic Surgery in Encinitas and La Jolla, Sharp Hospitals and Children's Hospitals in San Diego, and Tri-City Medical Center in Oceanside.

Society Memberships

Dr. Chaffoo belongs to the following societies and organizations:
San Diego Plastic Surgery Society (member)
American Society of Plastic Surgeons (member)
American Academy of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery (fellow)
American College of Surgeons (fellow)
American Head and Neck Surgery Society (fellow)
American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (fellow)
California Society of Plastic Surgeons (member)

Offices Held

Dr. Chaffoo served as vice chairman and chairman of the U.S. Naval Hospital's Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery in Connecticut.
He currently serves as chief of plastic surgery at Tri-City Medical Center in Oceanside, CA.

Your Consultation

Dr. Chaffoo's consultations are not like a typical doctor's appointment. Every effort is made to ensure the patient's comfort and relaxation. Time is not an issue, and patients are encouraged to communicate all of their goals, concerns, and questions. In turn, Dr. Chaffoo provides candid answers and expert advice based on his many years of experience. Patients can call (858) 623-0222 for an appointment.

Staff & Facilities

Surgical Facility

Dr. Chaffoo performs plastic surgery at two facilities - one in Murrieta, CA, and one in La Jolla. He offers a complete range of breast, body and face procedures at both locations. Dr. Chaffoo carefully selects his employees, ensuring that each has a high level of experience and training. Patients can expect friendly and personable treatment from a qualified staff. He has 2 experienced patient coordinators at each office, ensuring that patients can have all their questions answered and receive the individualized attention they deserve.